Alexander, Corker Comment On Hegel Appointment

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on his opposition to President Obama’s nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel as defense secretary and the senator’s decision today to vote against cutting off debate on Hagel’s nomination:

“Chuck Hagel is a patriot, but by virtue of his views and his experience, he is not the right person to lead the world’s largest military organization in these dangerous times,” Alexander said of his intention to vote against Hagel’s confirmation. On today’s vote to end debate, Alexander said, “The majority leader’s motion to cut off debate only two days after an important nomination is reported to the Senate floor is premature, as several senators have asked the nominee questions that deserve more consideration.”

Senator Alexander continued: “When the Senate returns on Feb. 26, there should have been sufficient time to consider Sen. Hagel’s record, so I will vote to end debate because I believe a president’s cabinet members deserve an up-or-down vote.”

Senator Bob Corker made the following statement after voting against ending debate on Chuck Hagel’s nomination to serve as secretary of defense.

“Generally, I believe a president’s cabinet nominee deserves an up-or-down vote in the Senate, but in this case, I believe a number of my colleagues have raised legitimate concerns about information that hasn’t yet been made public and that extending the debate gives more time for these concerns to be addressed. Once sufficient time has passed, I am perfectly open to a 51-vote threshold."

Sandra and I are saddened this morning after learning of the death of Billy Graham. We rejoice today, because Mr. Graham once said "It will be reported that Billy Graham has died, but that won't be the truth. He said the truth is that he had only moved to a new location". I remember when we named 15th Street as Billy Graham Avenue, his daughter Gigi came for the dedication ... (click for more)

On the morning after the mass shooting in Florida last week, a 17-year-old at Ledyard High School in Connecticut made an offhand comment during his first period class, “I could buy an AR-15.” At that, all the teachers panicked. Really. The school was soon so rattled by the comment the principal called the cops. And those five words got the child shackled, taken into custody, and ... (click for more)

Trips aren’t always about where you are going, but rather what you are bringing and Notre Dame found out Wednesday night Goodpasture packed a whole lot of defense and fundamentals for its journey to the Irish den in the Division II-A state first-round encounter. And it didn’t hurt that the state’s top-rated Division II-A team was manned by a bunch ... (click for more)

CCS used a big second quarter to open up a 10 point lead over USJ Wednesday night in their Division II-A state tournament opener at The Webb School. The Chargers then outscored USJ 13-4 in the third quarter and went on to win 53-36. Rhodes had 7 of his 14 points in the second quarter. Micheal Houge had six of his eight points in a big third quarter. ... (click for more)